Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week

MAURICIO SOLORZANO

Global Brand Ambassador of Flor de Caña

1. Who is Mauricio Solórzano

Born in Nicaragua in April 1964. Earned a degree in Public Relations in Costa Rica. I have worked for Flor de Caña for more than 20 years and I am currently the Global Brand Ambassador. This position has allowed me to represent the brand in more than 27 countries, spreading the passion and extensive knowledge through the 5 senses tasting protocol of Flor de Caña, the pride of Nicaragua around the world. I’m married with 2 beautiful daughters. My hobbies are baseball, tennis and horseback riding.

2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplish for the rum industry.

Sharing with the world the story of a truly amazing rum, with over 5 family generations since 1890, that was born at the base of an active volcano in the heart of the Americas, my beloved Nicaragua.

3. What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

In my adolescent years, I used to see my father and my grandfather celebrate all the important occasions in the family with a drink of Flor de Caña rum. That’s how I was initially introduced to rum and fell in love with it right away. Then, in 1997, when I had the opportunity to join the Flor de Caña team, it was like a dream come true.

4. What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

The pride of belonging to this wonderful brand that represents the best values of Nicaraguans: discipline and passion for excellence in everything we do.

5. Favourite Drink + Recipe

The Flor Ginger. It’s made with our very well-balanced Flor de Caña 7 Year, a splash of ginger ale and garnished with a peel of orange to entice the wonderful aromas and flavour of this refreshing drink, that you can enjoy in any occasion.

6. Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

The premium rum category has a big opportunity to grow, where Flor de Caña is one of the key players, because once you enjoy it, you never go back. In the future, I believe consumers will look for brands with purpose, history and experience, which is exactly what Flor de Caña has.

7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?

Aside from having top quality products, brands need to provoke opportunities to share their own stories with consumers to let them know that the rum industry has plenty of sex appeal to seduce consumers worldwide.

8. Which rum would you recommend a person that:

a. Sipping a premium rum for the 1st time
Flor de Caña 12 Year

b. Likes Scotch Whisky
Flor de Caña 18 Year

c. Likes Bourbon
Flor de Caña 7 Year

d. Likes Gin or Vodka
Flor de Caña 4 Year Extra Seco

e. Likes Cognac
The jewel of our portfolio, Flor de Caña 25 Year

9. Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have help you.

One of my biggest mentors during 21 years of magical journey in this great company has been Mr. Tomás Cano, our Master Blender. He represents the values and knowledge of the brand. He taught me how to appreciate the essence of Flor de Caña and the art of making rum. Definitely, he is a master, a teacher and a friend.

10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?

1- Travel with my family to visit the Fiords of Norway.

2- Visit the pyramids of Egypt.

3- Do a tour of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

11. Any last words?

Whatever you do, do it with passion!

12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?

In Instagram: embajador_flordecana

In Twitter: @EmbajadorGlobal